When Concord Records released its tribute to acoustic guitar legend John Fahey, it came up with some of the most outstanding jazz talents around to record with. This is easily one of the finest tribute CD collections in the Concord catalog. For those who remember and enjoyed the various jazz stylings of the late John Fahey, this is a welcome addition.

John Fahey died in 2001, a few days short of his 62th birthday. Born in Takoma Park, Maryland, John Aloysius Fahey came into existence on February 28, 1939, and it was an existence that reflected his times and interests. Jazz, blues, music from India, bluegrass, American folk music, and composers such as Charles Ives and Bela Bartok were among his enduring interests. He earned degrees in philosophy and religion from American University and relocated to the Berkeley, California during the early 1960s. He studied folklore and mythology at Los Angeles, California in the mid 1960s. Fahey lived in and contributed to the cultural music changes happening. He lived in the era of beat writers Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, experimental jazz, The Beach Boys, folk singers such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, and The Beatles. His style and growth as an acoustic guitarist developed to perfection with the passage of time.

In this memorable tribute collection, many artists are featured performing John Fahey songs. There are 14 songs featured in the CD collection.

The jazz audience will enjoy the range and scope of the musicians and the music. Such artists as Dale Miller performing "Sunflower River Blues," "George Winston performing "Sally Good," Joe McDonald performing "Thinking of John Fahey," and De Grassi performing "The Alligator Walks Sideways on Sunday" are among the performers. Other outstanding artists include Stefan Grossman, David Doucet, Canned Fish, Sean Smith, among others.

An unusual CD collection, one that will have a special interest for all jazz listeners with its flavor, verve, and uniqueness. John Fahey was a major interpreter of acoustic guitar and influenced many jazz artists. This CD collection is a memorable tribute to the man and his music.